Top Ten Surfers

Top ten surfers of all time. Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher or if you are a logged in, add a new item for others to vote on or create your own version of this list.

The Top Ten

1Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater kills it every time he surfs, I can imagine him staying like that for a long time. He's the best surfer in the world and I'm positive it will stay that way.

He's truly amazing to watch and an unbelievable kind person to socialize with.

[Newest]Lance is the man. Fearless and inventive. He surfs over the waves. Simply amazing

3Andy Irons

R.I.P. Andy... would've set the others straight. Your the best in my books Andy... given time that wasn't enough.

Miss you Andy hope to see you in the next life, Hope the sets up there are massive

Andy irons has the best flow and style I have ever seen. He is the surfer who got me inspired to go surfing originally. Every time I watch one of his surfing videos I can't wait to get back into the water.

R.I.P. andy Irons

[Newest]R.I.P. andy you were the best, we always remember you

4Taj Burrow

Watching Taj surf always gets me stoked! He's just got the coolest style and you can always tell he's having fun when he surfs. His good air game doesn't hurt either.

He has the best style and he should be the first or the second

he should at least be number 3.. BEST SURFER EVER!!!!

5Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

Duke should be number one. The man was a graceful tank in the water what other surfer holds a gold medal in the olympics, and was a movie star in a time were race was a big issue... He won the country over with his aloha. The power and speed needed to surf the gigantic wooden koa boards in the old days I doubt half of the surfers on this list could even control!

It was Because of him And the Kahanamoku brothers of Waikiki that kept surfing alive in those hard days and we owe everything to him and those guys! Much love Surf god! Plus I still think George Freeth should be up here somewhere!

A Legend and soul surfer. He is the most Inspirational and influential surfer of all the times. I would be very happy to see him surfing with the boards that we have now.

[newest]

Should be #1 surfing exist because of you

6Rob Machado

Since I started to surf I always identify with him, he has always been my role model. He is different, he is unique. His fluid and unique style, how he connects with the wave. I also think that what makes different to Rob is his humble personality, his generosity and his always good mood.

This dude has some of the most natural lines I'd ever seen.

I love Rob for his surfing style and his contribution to our local surf community especially for the youths.

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Rob because of you I live life to it's fullest Mahalo Bra!

7Tom Curren

taught kelly everything he knows

8Bethany Hamilton

I wish I could be like Bethany. She's the reason why I had to experience be on top of crashing waves. Way to go Bethany:) hope I can meet you:) And lastly you such a person to be remembered. For you courage and bravery... Don't let the rocks hit you instead face for it

Bethany Hamilton NEVER gave up. I have to be honest that if a shark bit off my left arm, I would never go back in the water. She is the person that inspired me to surf. So I think she deserved to be #1.

Bethany is amazing I saw her beat kelly slater she was wicked and yes I know kelly is a boy I think she is the best surfer ever know to man kind you go bethany go for gold oh and another thing kelly is way older than bethany but she still beat him she is a true surfer

[Newest]She is awesome she's so sweet she is a great Christian girl

9Gerry Lopez

Awesome take charge of a surfer. Gerry controlled the wave and didn't allow the wave to control him.

10Layne Beachly

You rock layne. I want to be like you when I am older. Jordo

Layne beachly! I love to surf! But I have only just started, how long does it take to do tricks and surf the big waves?

The Contenders

I think John John is amazing! He is so young and his style really smooth and exciting! He's the future!

Still young and he's already a legend! Best surfer in the world, may turn out to be the best surfer ever

13Jay Moriarity

Guys have you watched chasing mavericks it's soSad but happy too. Jay should be number 1 or 2 because it doesn't matter about wether your rich of poor, clean or dirty. Jay died doing the things he loved and he died so young... 22.He drowned.The end scene is shocking I would have never guessed. But if you are inspired by him, "live like jay"

This should be first I love the movie chasing mavericks! He did however die young at the age of 22 from free diving. I think he was a great goal setter and a good achiever.

I think jay should rank first for surfing the biggest wave in history and never giving up even though he wiped out thank for alway having a positive attitude and never giving up love you

14Larry Bertleman

Larry was the first to take short boarding to the level it is at today. He could switch foot easily to get barreled. He ripped and had style

15Dane Reynolds

He is an amazing surfer that has perfect turns and airs I rate him 2nd best after Kelly Slater. His surfing style I think is rare and hard to find. He can change your perspective of surfing in just a few seconds of watching DANE REYNOLDS - EXCERPT.

16Miki Dora

The real deal, no other

17Greg Noll

Macho Man. No time for frills.

18Jordy Smith

I think he rocks because he can do the sickest tricks ever!

This dude can do the SICKest airs

19Gabe Kling

20Buttons Kaluhiokalani

I suppose I like this choice because it isn't just another dude with multiple worl championships. Plus, he really was (is) a freak talent. Perhaps the most innovative surfer ever in the water. I'd add Butch Van Artsdalen, Dane Kealoha and the entire Fletcher family to the list, along with Larry Bertleman. Kelly Slater is the most talented and the best in every condition though. Perhaps if Buttons had more focus and wasn't so far ahead of his time, he'd have ten world titles.

I lived and surfed northshore for 12 straight years, ask anyone who saw him in action (when he wasn't wasted)- the first driving backside 360, at pipe no less, the first real arial attack, vicious cutbacks, etc - yes bertleman was great but buttons was a the best ever for maybe 2 years...

12ftgroundswell

The most innovative but sadly not well known surfer ever...He gave a great contribute to develop surfing, and may be the surf today is what it is also thanks to him.

21Gabriel Medina

22Matt Archbold

23Mick Fanning

One of the greatest surfers ever amazing style him and joel are the two best ever

One of the only guys to beat Kelly

24Damien Hobgood

25Nathan Fletcher

26Mitchel Coleborn

27Stephanie Gilmore

Never been beaten on equal grounds

28Julian Wilson

The future of modern day surfing. Combines progression with soul better than anybody.the Australian Kelly Slater. 2013 Hurley pro quarterfinal

29Wayne Bartholomew

He and Mike P. used to drive the east coast just looking for waves before money and politics ruined the sport.

30Mike Purpus

Mike was the pride of the South Bay in the seventies with an attacking style and knack for creativity which set him apart from all other surfers in So Cal.